Things to Do in Koh Samui in April
April weather, activities, events & insider tips
April Weather in Koh Samui
Is April Right for You?
Advantages
- Shoulder season pricing means accommodation costs drop 25-40% compared to peak December-February rates, while weather remains mostly dry and sunny - you get high season conditions without the high season price tags
- The island transitions out of peak tourist season, so popular beaches like Chaweng and Lamai have space to breathe - you can actually get a good spot on the sand before 9am, and restaurants don't require advance bookings
- Sea conditions are typically excellent for snorkeling and diving with 20-30 m (65-100 ft) visibility around Koh Tao and Sail Rock - the water is calm, clear, and still warm at 28-29°C (82-84°F)
- Songkran festival (Thai New Year) happens mid-April, turning the entire island into a massive water fight celebration - it's genuinely one of the most fun cultural experiences you can have in Thailand, and Koh Samui goes particularly wild with it
Considerations
- Heat peaks in April with temperatures hitting 32°C (90°F) and humidity around 70%, making midday outdoor activities genuinely uncomfortable - locals avoid being outside between 11am-3pm for good reason
- You're entering the inter-monsoon transition period, which means weather can be unpredictable - you might get three perfect days followed by an afternoon of heavy rain, making multi-day planning slightly frustrating
- Songkran week (typically April 13-15, but celebrations stretch longer) means accommodation prices spike 30-50% during those specific dates, and many local businesses close for family time - if you're not interested in the festival, avoid this week entirely
Best Activities in April
Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan Snorkeling Trips
April offers some of the year's best underwater visibility before the southwest monsoon arrives in May. The sea is typically calm with minimal wind, and water temperatures hover around 28-29°C (82-84°F), making it comfortable for extended time in the water. Koh Nang Yuan's famous three-island viewpoint is less crowded than peak season, and you'll actually have space to enjoy it. The marine life is active this time of year - you're likely to spot sea turtles, reef sharks, and schools of barracuda without fighting through crowds of other snorkelers.
Ang Thong Marine Park Kayaking Tours
The 42-island archipelago is stunning in April when seas are calm and the limestone cliffs look dramatic against clear skies. This is one of the last months before monsoon season when kayaking through the lagoons and caves is reliably pleasant. The heat actually works in your favor here - you're on the water most of the day, and getting wet is part of the experience. The famous Emerald Lake viewpoint requires climbing 400 m (1,312 ft) of stairs, which is brutal in April heat, but going early morning makes it manageable.
Sunrise Temple and Viewpoint Tours
April heat makes daytime temple visits miserable, but sunrise tours are actually perfect. Temperatures at 6am are a comfortable 24-25°C (75-77°F), and you'll beat both the heat and the crowds. The Big Buddha, Wat Plai Laem, and the Secret Buddha Garden are all worth visiting, but only if you go early. The light is beautiful for photos, and you'll have these places mostly to yourself. By 9am, you're done and can retreat to air conditioning before the real heat kicks in.
Fisherman's Village Walking Street and Night Markets
April evenings are perfect for exploring Bophut's Friday night walking street and the various night markets around the island. Once the sun sets around 6:30pm, temperatures drop to a much more comfortable 27-28°C (81-82°F), and there's usually a nice breeze off the water. This is when locals come out to eat, and you'll find the best street food - grilled seafood, mango sticky rice, pad thai cooked to order. The Fisherman's Village market on Fridays is the most established, but Lamai's Sunday market is less touristy and has better prices.
Cooking Classes with Market Tours
April is mango season in Thailand, and cooking classes let you work with the best local produce. Morning classes typically start with a market tour around 8-9am when it's still relatively cool, then you cook in air-conditioned or well-ventilated kitchens. You'll learn to make 4-6 dishes, and most schools let you choose your menu. This is a perfect midday activity when it's too hot to be outside - you're learning something useful, eating well, and staying cool.
Sunset Beach Clubs and Casual Dining
April sunsets are spectacular, and beach clubs on the west coast offer front-row seats without the December-February crowds. Places along Lipa Noi and Taling Ngam beaches have sunset views over the Five Islands, and you can get a good table without booking weeks ahead. The temperature drops from uncomfortable to pleasant right around sunset time, making 5:30-7:30pm the best part of the day. This is also when the UV index finally drops from dangerous to manageable levels.
April Events & Festivals
Songkran Festival (Thai New Year)
The biggest water fight you'll ever experience. Songkran officially runs April 13-15, but on Koh Samui the celebrations stretch from April 12-16. The entire island becomes a massive street party with water guns, buckets, and hoses. Chaweng Beach Road and Lamai are the main action zones. Locals mix water with fragrant powder and pour it over Buddha statues for blessings, then everyone proceeds to drench each other. It's chaotic, wet, and genuinely joyful. Businesses close, traffic slows to a crawl, and nobody stays dry. If you're here during Songkran, embrace it completely - waterproof your phone, wear clothes that can get soaked, and join in. If you want a quiet beach holiday, avoid this week entirely.